Expert Witness Evidence in the Coroner's Court: Distinctions from Civil Litigation

Webinar

28 Oct 2026

6:00PM - 7:30PM

Join Professor Paul Marks BA, LLM, MD, FRCS, FFFLM, RCPath ME and Mr Abeezar I. Sarela MS, MD, PhD (Law), FRCS as they explore the unique challenges of providing expert evidence in coronial investigations compared with civil litigation.

Healthcare professionals are frequently called upon as expert witnesses in coroners' courts, yet the specific standards for these reports often remain unclear. While the Chief Coroner’s Bench Book advises experts to follow Civil Procedure Rules Part 35, the non-adversarial, inquisitorial nature of coronial law creates distinct challenges that differ significantly from civil litigation.

This session bridges that gap. You will gain an understanding of how to apply the rigorous standards of CPR Part 35 while respecting the boundaries of the Coroners and Justice Act. Learn how to craft neutral, legally sound reports that avoid language suggestive of civil or criminal negligence and master the coronial threshold for causation, identifying acts or omissions that contributed more than minimally to a death, rather than relying on civil ‘but for’ tests.

Key Learning Points

By attending this webinar, you will learn to:

  • Apply CPR Part 35 Standards to Inquest Reports: Translate civil expert duties, such as independence, objectivity, and primary duty to the tribunal, into the context of the Coroner's Court.
  • Master Neutrality & Avoid Findings of Liability: Reframe standard of care opinions into objective, neutral terms, avoiding language or conclusions that imply civil negligence or criminal liability.
  • Navigate Coronial Causation: Distinguish the coronial test for causation from the civil "but for" standard by correctly identifying factors that contributed more than minimally, negligibly, or trivially to death.
  • Understand the Inquisitorial Dynamic: Adapt your report structure and tone to support the Coroner's unique fact-finding role rather than an adversarial legal argument.
  • Deliver Bulletproof Evidence: Draft clear, compliant, and authoritative reports that fulfil both judicial expectations and statutory requirements.

CPD: 1.5 hours

Price
Non-Members: £52.50 / Members: £37.50



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